Latest news

CAP joins forces with The Trussell Trust to help more people in crisis

15 February 2017

CAP is joining forces with the UK's largest provider of foodbanks, The Trussell Trust, to bring sustained help to people in crisis.

The Trussell Trust already works with debt advice agency Community Money Advice (CMA), and this agreement with CAP provides further opportunity to seek long-term solutions for families. This means foodbanks in a range of communities, serving people with a range of needs, can offer even more help to get people out of crisis.

Debt and low income are among the most common causes of hunger in the UK, according to The Trussell Trust. Around one in twelve referrals are due to debt, but this does not take into account debts arising as a result of benefits issues, which continue to be the most likely reason a person is referred to a Trussell Trust foodbank.

A CAP survey of 1,200 debt clients showed 93% were able to feed their family following debt counselling advice from the charity, a fact that shows long-term support can make a lasting difference.

Adrian Curtis, Foodbank Network Director for The Trussell Trust said, 'We know that thousands of families are going hungry every year because of issues like debt - that’s why foodbanks in our network offer support beyond emergency food, signposting to local agencies to help people tackle the roots of their crisis. We know that people who visit foodbanks often have a range of complex needs and we’re delighted to now be formally linked with CAP, as well as CMA, to ensure these most vulnerable people get the invaluable support these charities can offer. This new agreement means it will be even more easy for people with debt, unemployment, or budgeting problems to find a more positive future.”

Matt Barlow, Chief Executive of CAP said, 'Every person crippled by grinding poverty deserves us to be working together to find solutions and that is why today marks a huge step forward for the most vulnerable in the UK. Many of our partner churches are already helping their communities by running a Trussell Trust foodbank alongside a CAP centre so there’s a natural crossover and makes total sense for our organisations to now be formally linked.

'We are looking forward to seeing foodbanks and CAP centres around the UK working together to provide hope and solutions to help people stay out of crisis.'